Psalm 107:14 - Give Thanks to the LORD, for He is Good

Audio Bible

Context

Give Thanks to the LORD, for He is Good
…13Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. 14He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and broke away their chains. 15Let them give thanks to the LORD for His loving devotion and His wonders to the sons of men.…

Cross References

Isaiah 42:7
to open the eyes of the blind, to bring prisoners out of the dungeon and those sitting in darkness out from the prison house.Luke 1:79
to shine on those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”Isaiah 9:2
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.John 8:12
Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”Acts 26:18
to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me.’Colossians 1:13
He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son,1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.Isaiah 61:1
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners,Matthew 4:16
the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.”2 Corinthians 4:6
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.Micah 7:8
Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will arise; though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light.Job 12:22
He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into light.Isaiah 49:9
to say to the prisoners, ‘Come out,’ and to those in darkness, ‘Show yourselves.’ They will feed along the pathways, and find pasture on every barren hill.Ephesians 5:8
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light,Psalm 68:6
God settles the lonely in families; He leads the prisoners out to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a sun-scorched land.

Psalm 107:10
Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron;

Psalm 68:6
God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.

Job 3:5
Let darkness and the shadow of death stain it; let a cloud dwell upon it; let the blackness of the day terrify it.

brake

Psalm 102:20
To hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death;

Psalm 105:19,20
Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him…

Psalm 116:16
O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.

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Psalm 107

He brought them out of darkness
This phrase signifies deliverance from a state of ignorance, sin, or distress. In biblical context, darkness often symbolizes evil, confusion, or judgment (Isaiah 9:2, John 1:5). The imagery of God bringing people out of darkness is a recurring theme, reflecting His role as a redeemer and guide. This deliverance can be seen as a type of Christ, who is described as the "light of the world" (John 8:12), bringing spiritual illumination and salvation.

and the shadow of death
The "shadow of death" is a metaphor for extreme danger or the threat of death, often used in the Psalms (Psalm 23:4). It conveys a sense of peril and fear, yet also the presence of God as a protector. Historically, this phrase would resonate with those familiar with the dangers of ancient travel or warfare. Theologically, it points to God's power over life and death, prefiguring Christ's victory over death through His resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).

and broke away their chains
Chains symbolize bondage, whether physical, spiritual, or emotional. In the ancient world, chains were literal instruments of captivity, but they also represent the spiritual bondage of sin (Romans 6:6). The breaking of chains signifies liberation and freedom, a theme echoed in the New Testament with Christ's mission to set captives free (Luke 4:18). This act of breaking chains is a powerful image of redemption and transformation, highlighting God's ability to liberate His people from any form of oppression.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The primary audience of the Psalms, often reflecting on their history of deliverance from Egypt and other captivities.

2. Darkness and the Shadow of Death
Metaphorical places representing spiritual and physical distress, danger, or oppression.

3. Chains
Symbolic of bondage, whether physical, spiritual, or emotional, from which God delivers His people.

Teaching Points

God as Deliverer
God is faithful to deliver His people from all forms of bondage, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual.

Spiritual Darkness
Darkness often symbolizes life without God. Believers are called to walk in the light of Christ, who dispels darkness.

Breaking Chains
Just as God broke the chains of the Israelites, He can break the chains of sin and addiction in our lives today.

Hope in Despair
Even in the darkest times, we can have hope because God is able to bring us out of despair and into His marvelous light.

Response to Deliverance
Our response to God's deliverance should be one of gratitude, worship, and a commitment to live in the freedom He provides.

(14) Break their bands in sunder.--See Psalm 2:3.

Verse 14. - He brought them out of dark ness and the shadow of death. Wherein they sat (ver. 10). And brake their bands in sunder. Freed them from their fetters (ver. 10), whatever they were. Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

He brought them out
יֽ֭וֹצִיאֵם (yō·w·ṣî·’êm)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

of darkness
מֵחֹ֣שֶׁךְ (mê·ḥō·šeḵ)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2822: The dark, darkness, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness

and the shadow of death
וְצַלְמָ֑וֶת (wə·ṣal·mā·weṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6757: Death-like shadow, deep shadow

and broke away their chains.
וּמוֹסְר֖וֹתֵיהֶ֣ם (ū·mō·ws·rō·w·ṯê·hem)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 4147: Chastisement, a halter, restraint

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